Bio Expl For Sz NEURAL CORRELATES Flashcards
AO1 NEURAL CORRELATES
Intro step 1
-idea of neural correlates is abnormalities within specific brain areas may be associated with development of sz
HOW
-brain scanning tech e.g FMRI SCANS used to compare Brian’s of sz with non suffers to identify brain areas maybe linked to sz
Neural correlates- brain structure or function
AO1
Step 2
-one nc of sz is ENLARGED VERTICLES
-meta analysis by raz nd raz found over half individuals tested with sz had inc ventricles size compared to control g
-enlarged ventricles are associated with damage to central brain areas nd pre frontal cortex, this damage is associated with negative symptoms of sz
Neural correlates AO3
Strength
P- RTS role of nc as expl of sz comes from Suddath et al (1990)
E- used MRI scans to investigate brain structure of MZ twins in which one twin was sz
E-found the sz twin had more enlarged ventricles, sugg enlarged ventricles do ply a role in determining likelihood of sz developing
L-therefore inc validity of nc as bio ex of sz
Neural correlates
AO3 limitation
P- alternative exp for development of sz is family dysfunction
E-argue sz is due to faulty communication patterns within fam e.g schizophrenogenic mum, she’s cold nd creates fam climate characterised by tension nd secrecy.
E-leads to distrust that later develops into paranoid delusions, rather than delusions being due to levels of neural correlates
L-therefore bio explanation of sz not only explaination that needs to be considered
another strength AO3
P-it uses scientific methods.
E-theory is based on objective and empirical tech such as gene mapping studies and brain scans, used to identify areas of brain linked to sz enlarged ventricles
E-Using scientific methods like gene mapping and brain scans ensures that the findings are based on measurable and observable data, enhancing the credibility of the expl.
L-therefore,inc the overall internal validity of the biological explanation of schizophrenia, thus raising Psychology’s scientific status.
